Our Values
At CIFT, we work every day to help food processors and manufacturers grow and compete. This means living up to our values by following through on our promises, prioritizing actions that lead to results, and taking responsibility for our work. We believe in accountability and listening to our clients and each other to enhance collaboration and success while delivering positive outcomes.
Committed
We are committed to getting the job done. This means following through on our promises, prioritizing actions that lead to results, and taking responsibility for our work. We believe in accountability, avoiding the blame game, and listening to our clients and each other to drive collaboration and success.
Passion
Passion drives everything we do. We approach our work with enthusiasm and take pride in the impact our efforts have on our industry and community. We are impact-focused, understanding that the success of our partnerships is how we measure our success.
Expertise
Expertise is at the core of who we are. We bring a wide scope of skills and experiences to our collaborations. Continuous learning is embedded in our culture, as we always seek opportunities to grow and expand our knowledge.
Forward-Thinking
We strive to be forward-thinking, exploring new possibilities because we understand our industry and market are constantly adapting and changing. We embrace having an open mind and see it as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
Dedication
Dedication is foundational to our approach. We show up consistently, supporting our team to see tasks through to completion. We know that understanding the bigger picture allows us to adapt and contribute beyond our roles. We’re willing to wear multiple hats and go the extra mile to support our team and achieve success for ourselves and our partners.
Encouragement
Encouraging teamwork is fundamental in our day-to-day operations and strategy. We value different perspectives, recognizing they deliver deeper discussions and better outcomes. Patience and support are integral to our team, as we work to support and empower each other. Kindness and empathy are keys to helping us work better across our organization and in partnership with others.
MEET THE TEAM
Rebecca Singer
President & CEO
Rebecca Singer
Kathy Hermiller
Vice President, Finance and Administration
Shari Plimpton, Ph.D.
Vice President, Director of Food Industry Programs
Paula Ray
NOCK
Operations Manager
Troy Wildermuth
Vice President, Director of Manufacturing
Stacy Vernon
Food Safety & Operations Program Manager
Cathy Witte
Business Development and Manufacturing Specialist
Matt Inniger
Program Manager – Advanced Food Technology
Kareem Hammuda
Small Business Development Specialist
Todd Underwood
Strategic Marketing Manager
Rachel Petropoulos
sustainability specialist
Holly Clapp
Account Clerk and Human Resources
Isabel Montez
Outreach Technician
ISABEL MONTEZ
Derrick Coleman
Project Manager –
Food Production
Joseph Schultz
Program Manager – Industry 4.0
Jayne Tegge
Business Operations Specialist
CIFT Governing Board
